The same set of dimples Helena had inherited from their mother flashed when Pearl smiled at her employer. “May I present my sister, Lady Prestwick?”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mason.”
He shifted his weight to his crutch and reached for Helena’s hand to bring it to his lips. “The pleasure is mine, my lady. Pearl’s family is always welcome at Springvale.” A manservant slipped outside and Mr. Mason nodded at him. “Show Lady Prestwick’s men where to take the trunks.”
“Oh! Lord Thorne and I don’t wish to impose, sir. We plan to take rooms at the inn.”
Pearl laughed. “Don’t be silly, Helena. We have plenty of room for you and Lord Thorne.”
We? Helena exchanged a look with Sebastian as Mr. Mason’s men helped carry their trunks inside.
“Elliott is my betrothed,” Pearl said. “Cora’s husband granted permission for us to marry last week. The banns were cried on Sunday. Please, come inside.”
Without waiting for a reply, she assisted Mr. Mason, her husband-to-be apparently, to swing around and maneuver back inside the sprawling home.
Sebastian offered Helena his arm to escort her. “Are you all right? You’ve grown pale,” he whispered.
She nodded, her throat too tight to speak.
As they entered, Helena viewed the dwelling with a different set of expectations. This was Pearl’s home, the place where she would raise her children and grow old with her husband. Helena noted the loose hinge when the manservant closed the door behind them, the worn carpet, and the sparse furniture in the drawing room, but the home was immaculate.
Sebastian and Mr. Mason exchanged handshakes once their host was seated. “Congratulations on your betrothal, sir.”
Pearl made certain everyone was seated comfortably then excused herself to see about tea. While the gentlemen engaged in talk about Mr. Mason’s land, Helena reconciled herself to the idea Pearl wouldn’t be leaving with her as she had expected. She wanted her sister’s happiness above all else, and she would have to be blind not to notice Pearl bubbled over with glee.
When her sister returned, Mr. Mason offered to show Sebastian his stables, which he accepted. Pearl grimaced as her betrothed struggled to stand and hopped until he gained his balance.
He winked at Helena’s sister. “I can manage without your assistance. Enjoy your sister’s company. I’m sure Lord Thorne will lend a hand if I need it.”
Sebastian reassured her that he would be pleased to assist Mr. Mason, and then the two men left Pearl and Helena alone.
Helena accepted a cup of tea from her sister. “I am surprised Cora did not mention your engagement when I saw her yesterday.”
“I am not,” Pearl said as she poured a second cup. “She isn’t pleased by the match.”
“Why not? Mr. Mason seems like a lovely man.” Although appearances could be deceiving. What did Cora know that made her oppose the marriage?
Pearl laughed and rolled her eyes. “Oh, you know Cora.”
Only Helena didn’t. Not really. She didn’t know any of her sisters any longer, and the chance to get to know them was slipping through her fingers. Lavinia had experienced more in her life than Helena could in three lifetimes, not that she would want her sister’s experiences. Cora was already married with three children. And now Pearl was to be a wife. Helena’s desire to stay in England grew stronger.
Pearl set her cup aside. “Our sister wants the best match. She has always thought of herself as prettier. Even though she hasn’t met Elliott, she is convinced he is a wealthy man, wealthier than Mr. White. And more handsome.” Pearl’s eyes sparkled happily. “She is correct about the latter.”
Helena chuckled. “Having seen them both, I agree.”
“I bet she turned green with envy when she met Lord Thorne.”
“I didn’t introduce them. We aren’t—”
“You aren’t…?” Pearl’s delicate brows slowly inched up her forehead.
Her heart sped up as she recalled Sebastian’s proposal in the carriage. “We are not attached. At least not yet.”
Pearl squealed and launched from her chair to throw her arms around Helena. Helena juggled her cup and managed to set it on the side table with minimal spilling. “I knew you were coming with good news. As soon as I read the gentleman was escorting you.”